By Armstrong McBride


The last thing on many an avid amateur mechanic's mind is safety. Yet have a vehicle roll on you, or roll down the driveway to collide with anything else and your day week, or month can well be ruined. Never mind the explanation to auto insurance or British Columbia provincial government I.C.B. insurance agent, adjustor or having to make an unnecessary claim on your home or auto insurance.

You would be more than amazed , as they say . More than one amateur mechanic has produced sparks or even open flames near leaky gas tanks or wet fuel lines. How downright dangerous a practice indeed. Included in such events are the use of electric power tools, grinding, welding as well as using propane torches to loosen rusted fasteners around these leaky or leaking fuel tanks and gas lines. Experienced and well trained mechanical and auto service department experts and licensed mechanics generally state to always fix the leak first and foremost. Then do the other repairs work or sets of task to complete the repair and fixing process fully. What could of been a simple and inexpensive job at a reputable auto repair shop or garage can potentially result in a cascade that has you has you out shopping for a new truck complete with monthly "car payments". Thus saving a few dollars on a do-it-yourself or backyard mechanic can well be a case of penny wise , pound foolish and both a not to wise and costly decision.

Next never crawl under a car or vehicle that is not adequately supported. Next in line never ever rely on the auto jack alone to hold up the car, truck, van or bus that you or your team are working on. No excuses will ever do for this cardinal and very deadly sin of omission and laziness. The vehicle should be on level ground with the transmission in gear (manual transmission) or park (automatic tranny). Next the emergency brake should also be fully engaged. One or preferably more wheels should be solidly and firmly blocked. To block a car from rolling a brick or a piece of wood can be utilized to prevent the car from rolling.

It has to be said and driven home to never ever run an engine inside a closed garage. You would think that this would be the first rule of auto maintenance and repair. Yet many try to get away with -"I will just run the motor for a second" is sometimes the refrain and excuse. . Buildup of dangerous and deadly CO, (that is Carbon Monoxide gas), and gas fumes are odorless and color and can be lethal. If you must run the engine, simply open the garage door or alternately vent the fumes outside with a length of tubing or hose. After all its not as if you are running a major multimillion dollar auto service and trades facility.

Similarly when workings with batteries always remember that they contain sulfuric acid, so treat them with great respect when handling them. Be careful not to upset the battery, or to spill acid on the automobile's finish when installing or removing a battery. Protect your hands with rubber gloves and your eyes with goggles. Corrosion on the outside of the battery case can leave an acid residue that will and can eat holes through clothing so it is best to not use Sunday best when doing battery work. Play it safe out there when working on and repairing autos.




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